Shovelnose Sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus
Identification
This sturgeon has a long pointed snout and armored scutes.
Location
Rare
Size
1 to 5 pounds
Diet
It feeds on insects and small fish.
Habitat
It occurs in the Ohio River.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It prefers strong currents and sandy bottoms. It is active year round.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring.
Population
The population is small and monitored.
History
It has declined due to habitat alteration.
Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.
Facts
It is one of the smallest sturgeon species.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Insects small fish | Large rivers | Ohio River